Chuck Holton
Politics • Culture • News
USAID or U.S.W.A.M.P.? – United States Wealth Appropriation & Misallocation Program
February 05, 2025
post photo preview

 

While we are in the habit of renaming things, I am going to call on President Trump to rename USAID to USWAMP - The United States Wealth Appropriation & Misallocation Program

Because in reality, USAID Drains taxpayer money to fund inefficient globalist pet projects while ignoring domestic needs.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was established with noble intentions: to prevent global conflicts, promote democracy, protect human rights, alleviate suffering, foster sustainable economic growth, and safeguard the environment. However, over the decades, USAID has morphed into a sprawling bureaucracy, often channeling taxpayer money into inefficient projects that do little to advance American interests or global stability.

A History of Waste and Mismanagement

Numerous instances highlight USAID's inefficiencies and missteps:

  • Afghanistan Reconstruction: The U.S. invested hundreds of billions in Afghanistan, with USAID overseeing significant portions. Reports indicate that substantial amounts were lost to waste, fraud, and abuse, with projects failing to deliver intended outcomes.

  • Iraq Community Stabilization Program: USAID awarded $644 million to International Relief and Development Inc. (IRD) for a jobs and public works program in Iraq. Audits revealed that millions of dollars may have been siphoned off by insurgents, leading to the suspension of IRD's work due to evidence of phantom jobs and possible financial support to insurgents.

  • Peru Sterilization Scandal: In the 1990s, USAID was implicated in funding programs in Peru that led to the forced sterilization of approximately 300,000 indigenous women, raising serious ethical concerns about the agency's oversight and the unintended consequences of its initiatives.

Misaligned Priorities

Beyond financial waste, USAID has often pursued agendas that many Americans find contentious. For instance, the agency has been involved in promoting specific social policies abroad, such as LGBTQ+ initiatives and environmental projects, which rarely align with the cultural values of the recipient countries or the priorities of U.S. taxpayers. This not only leads to ineffective use of funds but can also foster resentment towards the U.S. - the opposite of USAID's stated purpose.

A Call for Reform

Given these challenges, it's imperative to reconsider how the U.S. engages in international aid. Instead of funneling billions through a centralized government agency susceptible to waste and political agendas, we should empower individual Americans and private organizations to lead charitable efforts.

Harnessing American Generosity

Americans are among the most generous people globally. By providing tax incentives, subsidies, and other support mechanisms, the government can encourage private citizens, faith-based groups, and non-governmental organizations to take the lead in international aid. This approach offers several benefits:

  • Efficiency: Private organizations often operate with lower overhead and can respond more swiftly to needs on the ground.

  • Alignment with Donor Intent: Individuals can choose causes that resonate with their values, ensuring that aid aligns with the diverse perspectives of the American populace.

  • Building Genuine Goodwill: Aid delivered through private channels can foster authentic relationships between Americans and global communities, free from the political baggage that government-sponsored aid might carry.

It's time to rethink America's approach to foreign aid. By downsizing or reorganizing USAID and promoting private charitable initiatives, we can reduce waste, respect the diverse values of American taxpayers, and build genuine goodwill worldwide. Empowering individuals and communities to lead in generosity not only reflects the American spirit but also ensures that aid is effective, ethical, and aligned with our nation's true interests.

community logo
Join the Chuck Holton Community
To read more articles like this, sign up and join my community today
11
What else you may like…
Videos
Podcasts
Posts
Articles
Watch: Biblical Red Heifer ritual comes to life

in a rehearsal ceremony, A red heifer raised in Israel was disqualified for sacrifice after two black hairs were found on its body. It was used in a practice burning ceremony for priests.

00:00:05
Pray for Texas Flood Victims

Wow.

00:00:30
Free Burma Rangers Under Fire

WARNING: This video contains graphic material.
The Free Burma Rangers charged into the line of fire to extract the wounded from the frontlines in Burma during the ongoing war for freedom.
One of their own, Ranger Benedict To, was killed in the line of duty as he worked to get those who were wounded out of harms way.

00:07:03
Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce

My erstwhile field producer and cameraman Dennis Azato has accompanied me on ten years of adventures across the globe. Today he joins me in Ukraine and we spend some time remembering our many trips together.

Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce
Travel to Armenia with Chuck Holton

Join us for an unforgettable 10-day adventure through Armenia. Explore ancient Christian sites, breathtaking mountains, and the resilient spirit of the Armenian people, guided by Chuck Holton and his family. Perfect for couples, Christian adventurers, photographers & drone lovers. $2700 per person – limited spots available! Link to application and details here, https://www.holtonnews.com/armenia-tour/

post photo preview
Looking to Adopt?

Two sweet dogs were left on Chuck’s property and we’re hoping to find them a loving home. They’re both friendly and healthy—the black one is a sweet little female and the brown one is a gentle male.

If you’re on the East Coast or near southern West Virginia and would like to adopt them, please email [email protected] to coordinate pickup.

Let’s find these two a good home.

post photo preview
The national library of Israel

A hot zone viewer named Rachael works at the national library of Israel and invited me for a tour today. Fascinating! Thank you, Rachel!

post photo preview
Blood Sea:
 Why the Houthis Just Sank Two Ships

 

This week, the Houthis took their war to a whole new level—sinking two commercial ships in the Red Sea in just a matter of days. First, the Magic Seas was hit and went down. Then came the Eternity C, boarded by armed Houthi fighters who planted explosives on the hull and detonated them. The shocking video released by the group shows militants moving through the ship, firing weapons into walls and windows. Most of the crew is still unaccounted for.

So why now?

Only for Supporters
To read the rest of this article and access other paid content, you must be a supporter
Read full Article
post photo preview
Ceasefire Illusions and the Battle for Real Peace in the Middle East

By Chuck Holton
Reporting from Jerusalem, Israel

Another Strike Looms: Israel Eyes Fordow, Again

As tensions simmer just beneath the surface in the Middle East, the illusion of ceasefires continues to dominate headlines. But from the ground here in Jerusalem, the reality is far different. Israel appears to be preparing for another potential strike on Iran—particularly the Fordow nuclear facility—amid concerns that time is running out to neutralize the threat of uranium enrichment. Israeli leadership is not waiting for diplomatic ceremonies. They’ve made it clear: the truce was conditional, and they reserve the right to act if Iran continues to endanger Israeli security.

That resolve was evident in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he met twice with President Trump. Despite public speculation, it’s clear Netanyahu was not simply seeking peace talks. He emphasized the necessity of "finishing the job in Gaza" and praised America’s support—particularly the determination of U.S. B2 bomber pilots—as instrumental in reshaping the conflict.


Houthi Menace: Political Theater with Real Victims

Meanwhile, in a display of violence as propaganda, the Iranian-backed Houthis released another highly-produced video showing the sinking of commercial vessels like the Magic Seas—Greek-flagged, Liberian-registered, and completely unaffiliated with Israel. These attacks aren’t strategic; they’re sensational. Poorly trained operatives parading around as commandos show that the goal isn’t military victory but media relevance.

The real tragedy? Innocent seafarers becoming casualties in a conflict they never signed up for. And with every new attack, the narrative of peace grows thinner.


The Ceasefire Charade

Despite high-level efforts—most notably by President Trump—to broker ceasefires across the region, the facts on the ground reveal continued hostilities:

  • In Lebanon, Israeli forces are conducting daily drone strikes and eliminating Hezbollah leadership.

  • In Syria, IDF troops continue operations, targeting Iranian militias and weapons depots.

  • In Iran, mysterious explosions still rock military sites and infrastructure, hinting at covert operations.

  • In Gaza, heavy IDF activity persists as troops push deeper into urban strongholds like Beit Hanoun and Khan Yunis.

These are not signs of peace. These are signs of a nation that understands its survival depends on vigilance.


The Gaza Dilemma: Feeding the War Machine?

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has now distributed over 65 million meals to civilians in Gaza—funded in large part by U.S. taxpayers. But while the aid is vital for many, it raises a vital question: at what cost?

Only for Supporters
To read the rest of this article and access other paid content, you must be a supporter
Read full Article
post photo preview
Facts, Not Feelings

“Why Don’t You Talk About the Deaths in Gaza?”

That question came up—again. And here’s my answer: I do talk about it, just not in the way people want me to. If your side orchestrates an atrocity like October 7th, you don’t get to demand that the world ignore your consequences. Self-defense isn’t genocide.

Do civilians die in war? Of course—and every loss is tragic. But according to third-party data, the civilian-to-combatant ratio in Gaza is one of the lowest in modern warfare. Lower than in Iraq or Afghanistan. Lower than in Yemen. Lower even than Israel’s last major operations.

And no, Gaza isn’t being depopulated. In fact, population numbers show there are more people in Gaza today than at the war’s start. For a so-called genocide, that’s one remarkably inefficient campaign.


Crossing Borders and Cultures

Joining me in Israel is my good friend Oscar Blue Ramirez, who experienced firsthand what real border security looks like. After flying into Jordan, he spent over nine hours just trying to cross into Israel. From chaos on the Jordanian side to four-hour inspections on the Israeli end, Oscar came through sunburned, smoked out, and very much enlightened.

Only for Supporters
To read the rest of this article and access other paid content, you must be a supporter
Read full Article
See More
Available on mobile and TV devices
google store google store app store app store
google store google store app tv store app tv store amazon store amazon store roku store roku store
Powered by Locals